Jack’s Kitchen Launch at the Holiday Inn

Recently I was invited to the launch of Jack’s Kitchen which is the new Bar and Brasserie at the Holiday Inn, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton. It had just been refurbished and the difference was obvious straight away as I have eaten in there many times before. It looked great and had a good feel about it.

When I arrived I was greeted by the staff who offered me a selection of canapés and champagne while I listened to musicians from the local charity Creative Youth. It was great background music in pleasant surroundings, while I had an opportunity to catch up with old friends and new acquaintances. The launch party itself was very popular as it was alive and very busy.

We then went outside to the red carpet area where the ribbon was cut by the new outer entrance to the restaurant.

From left to right, Mrs Komathi Sampathkumar, the owner Mr Sampathkumar, Mr Dominic Raab MP and Mrs Shweta Kapadia who is a local councillor and Jack Frogart who Jack’s is named after. When the owner first started working it was for Jack Frogart 22 years ago and he wanted to pay homage to him by naming his Brasserie after him. Such a lovely thing to do and very heartfelt.

It was then back inside to have a good look at how the restaurant had changed. It was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and Councillor Shweta lit the lamp. A wall was full of decorative boxed shelfs, each housing a different brand of whisky. The lighting and lampshades were all freshly new. There was a rather large but stunning picture of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. They now have glass doors in from the hotel with Jack’s written on them so it divides the restaurant from the hotel. Also at the front they have a unique glass wine rack, it seems at a glance that the bottles are hovering in mid air! The background music continued with different musicians while we all sat down to a gorgeous three course meal.

Which consisted of a selection of nibbles like olives, truffle arranccini, roasted nuts with rosemary and chilli sea salt and padron peppers. All bite size which were good and light. Wine was served freely. Then the starters came, Peppered wild Tiger Prawns which was absolutely divine. We were then given a lemon sorbet which was very lemony and refreshing and beautifully cold. That was followed by Pan fried Venison with figs and baby turnips with dark chocolate. The Venison was cooked to perfection but the chocolate sauce was not for my taste buds. Have to say the whole presentation of all the food was spot on.

You just could not fault it and each dish was served up like a piece of art. The service given by the team was outstanding. They were attentive, quick, efficient and friendly. Next came the dessert which was Jack’s Creative Mess and coffee was served. Whats great about this dessert is that each mouthful was a surprise because they had added popping candy, plus it was nice and fresh fruit after the meat dish. I love the idea that each time a portion of this dessert is sold a percentage is donated to their chosen charity which is Creative Youth. For a business to do this sort of donation it says to me an awful lot about their commitment to the local community they trade in.

Above is Gagan Sharma who is the General Manager. He was giving a short speech and thanked us all for coming. He is a very gracious man with impeccable manners. I know Jack’s Kitchen will go from strength to strength under his leadership and the fabulous cooking of the Head Chef Akshay Sabharwal and his skilled team. I am looking forward to going back soon as I saw the new menu and I love a Sunday Roast. They also have a broad wine list and some great cocktails, some would be great for the whiskey enthusiasts out there!

Well done everyone as it was a fabulous launch party.

Have you been to Jack’s yet? I would recommend it.

When you go please let me know what you thought of it.

Do you love eating out as much as I do? Let me know your favourite restaurant.